Hi. My name is Sierra Lode. My career goal is to provide motivation and inspiration to people with disabilities, particularly youth — but also to people without disabilities — parents, teachers, peers, doctors, and therapists. I have presentations to address age groups from elementary school through college. I would love to address youth with disabilities who are in high school and will soon transition into adult services.

I am a non-speaking person with quadriplegia. My parents were told by a highly regarded pediatric neurologist that the best thing they could do for me was to put me in a bean bag chair, give me a music box, and keep me fed and clean — that is, if they were determined to keep me at home. Surprise doctor, I have graduated from college with an Associate Degree, live independently in a home that I purchased, and am a productive member of society fulfilling my potential as an educator and advocate. I have been there and done that as they say. I can share my personal experiences and achievements as a person with severe disabilities to those seeking a path to self-esteem and independence.

There will always be people with disabilities — that is a fact of life. There are not many young people with disabilities as severe as I who have been successful in their education or independence. I have a passion to share my life and to advocate for others, especially youth.

AWARDS

2002 Competed and accepted to the National Youth Leadership Network

Awarded the 2005 Emerging Leader - Montana State University Center on Disabilities

Awarded to the National Youth Leadership Institute in 2005, and attended the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disability Act at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., July 26, 2005

Awarded the Degree of Associate of Arts, University of Montana College of Technology, May 12, 2012

Sierra at home celebrating her home purchase with the people from the agencies that helped to make it possible

Awarded to attend and participate in the National Youth Leadership Institute 2005, Washington, D.C.

"University of Montana student with CP educates 4th graders about her assistive technology" --Missoulian

A.W.A.R.E/Neighbor Works celebrating Sierra's homeownership. Among the attendees is Lieutenant Governor John Walsh, now United States Senator Walsh

College Graduate 2012

National Youth Leadership Network - Washington, D.C. Interview with Senator Max Baucus

ARTICLES featuring SIERRA LODE

Missoulian – January 15, 2011

“TECHNO CHAT" available here

New Mobility magazine – August, 2013

“THE EYES HAVE IT” available here

NeighborWorks Montana Success Stories

"Michael Kornec and Sierra Lode Celebrate Home Purchases" available here

Apostrophe magazine – Summer, 2014

“THE MISSING THERAPY”

AFFILIATIONS

Montana Youth Leadership Forum – Ambassador/volunteer staff member

University of Montana Rural Institute on Disabilities Transition Resource Information Center Advisory Council Member –Youth Transition Conference and Webinar Presenter, Mental Health Committee member

Montana Independent Living Project – Community ADA Advocate

For more information contact Sierra at sierrasmil@bresnan.net

Speaking Out Of The Box